Publication date: January 29, 2024
Categories: CBD
Have you tried CBD yet? If not…you’re probably missing out. It may not be quite as exciting as THC, sure, but don’t think CBD isn’t powerful! Here’s how to take CBD for sleep.
There’s a reason sleep is one of 2022’s biggest wellness trends. At the risk of stating the obvious, sleep is hugely important to our life, health, and vibrancy — and it’s been overlooked for far too long.
Why is sleep so important? Because it’s when our bodies rest and regenerate. It’s a perfect time for maintenance.
Maintenance from what, you may ask? Well, just consider the huge number of chemical and physical reactions that occur in the human body each and every second.
Cells are living, cells are dying, cells are thriving. The cells that aren’t thriving are quickly singled out and recycled. Billions of these cells and trillions of their connective elements are all firing away, collectively working to produce this thing we call life.
Unfortunately enough, most people don’t sleep nearly as well — or for nearly as long — as they’d like to. This type of sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, impair cognition, and increase stress hormone levels enough to cause premature aging. Not good!
Now for some good news: natural sleep aids like CBD might help. Scientists and sleep enthusiasts alike say that CBD could help your body and mind get the Zzzz’s they need…without also getting unwanted side effects. More info below.
In order to really understand how CBD helps with sleep, we need to take a little look at the basics of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The most important thing the endocannabinoid system does is maintain full body homeostasis, or balance. If the human body really is a temple, then the endocannabinoid system should be viewed as its thermostat — it controls both inputs and outputs in order to regulate the entire system. Professor Di Marzo describes the ECS’s primary functions as, “relax, eat, sleep, forget and protect.”
Here’s another expert angle on what this special system does, courtesy of neurologist Ethan Russo: “The endocannabinoid system is an essential regulator of bodily function in its many facets. There is hardly any physiological process that is not affected by it to some degree.”
There’s hardly any place in the body where endocannabinoids aren’t produced, either.
The life of an endocannabinoid is short-lived: it binds to receptors, sends its message, and then breaks back down.
This happens virtually everywhere in the body — at virtually all times. Wherever there is an endocannabinoid receptor, an endocannabinoid is also active, ready to fulfill its demands.
When it comes to sleep, however, problems can arise when your body fails to produce as many endocannabinoids as it needs. That’s where phytocannabinoids come into the picture! Within the last couple years clinical research has finally demonstrated that CBD can calm the body and mind enough to promote sleep.
CBD oil drops contain more than just CBD, of course — especially if you’ve got your hands on full spectrum CBD products. They’re also loaded with terpenes!
One of the best terpenes for naturally improving sleep is the terpene linalool. This terpene shows up in hemp with many of its most relaxing properties. Linalool has been used to relieve anxiety and promote sleep for hundreds (maybe even thousands) of years. It may also be anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective in nature.
CBD may promote sleep without causing unwanted side effects. It’s non-habit forming and safe to take over long periods of time. Unlike many conventional sleep aids, CBD won’t leave you lacking motivation the next morning.
Take CBD oils/drips at least 30 minutes before you hope to fall asleep. Most people find that a slightly larger dose of CBD than normal is ideal for sleep. Be sure to take enough, as CBD’s more sedating effects only kick in at high doses!
Most definitely. CBD can easily be layered on top of other pro-sleep practices. You can take it alongside melatonin and other sleep supplements, too.
Just don’t forget that CBD and other supplements are only part of the sleep puzzle. Did you know that the melatonin your body uses during sleep is produced by a light-dependent chemical reaction each morning? It’s true: good sleep begins in the morning — if and when you get some AM sun.
Here’s another example that should get you thinking: sleep deprivation’s negative effects run directly opposite to CBD’s positive ones. Even short-term sleep deprivation can cause a drop in the body’s circulating endocannabinoid levels…the very thing that CBD normally boosts.
In other words, CBD shouldn’t be used as a band-aid solution to make up for poor sleep habits! That strategy might not even work — and, even if it did, it would be pretty pricey.
Gotham Meds’ premium CBD products present a chance to get your body back in balance with itself, its surroundings, and nature. And part of this balance means being in sync with the sun. If you want to feel energized during the day and pleasantly drowsy at night, try CBD for yourself! You might be surprised just how effective this natural solution can be.
